Gareth Barry and Mark Noble’s best days are behind them and Premier League duo West Brom and West Ham might have found their successor.
Gareth Barry has not quite had the impact at West Brom many had expected.
The Premier League’s all-time record appearance maker swapped Everton for The Hawthorns this summer to fill the void left by the departure of fellow midfield veteran Darren Fletcher, who had joined Stoke City.
Barry was expected to bring leadership and further quality in possession to a pragmatic side, but instead, West Brom are bottom of the Premier League and the 37-year-old has been criticised by fans both on and off the pitch.
His involvement in the ‘taxi-gate’ affair hasn’t exactly enhanced his reputation in the eyes of supporters, while he has not been able to exert much of the influence expected on the park either in a series of below-par displays.
It is understood that Barry penned a one-year deal in the summer, but if the Baggies seal a deal to sign Turkish international Okay Yokuslu, who could be his long-term successor, it would be little surprise to see the former England international let go.
Yokuslu, who was wanted by the Baggies in January too, shares a few similarities to Barry in that he is a technical and intelligent passer of the ball who is also renowned for his ability to win back possession and start attacks from deep. Crucially, he is 13 years younger too so it makes sense if West Brom have identified Yokuslu as Barry’s replacement.
The same can be said about West Ham. AS states that The Hammers have been watching Yokuslu too and maybe they are also looking to uncover an heir apparent to an ageing midfielder.
Long-standing club captain Mark Noble is 30 now and has been criticised by supporter for quite some time, so if West Ham win the race for Yokuslu, the academy graduate should be fretting about his future.
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